Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The study of biochemistry and cell biology, along with anatomy and physiology, provides you with the knowledge required for the proper understanding of the structure and function of cells and tissues that constitute the human body and its organ systems in health and disease. This unit builds on the chemistry and biology elements of first year units and prepares you for the study of clinical biochemistry and allied disciplines in a biomedical context (such as, a working medical laboratory).

Aims

The aims of the unit are to develop an understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules and metabolic processes and to begin to develop expertise in biochemical laboratory techniques.

Objectives

On completion of the unit, you should:

1. Be able to describe the structure and function of the major classes of biomolecules and apply the knowledge gained to cellular processes in health and disease.

2. Compare and contrast the metabolism of cells and tissues in normal and pathological situations and evaluate the relationships between central biochemical foundations and major cellular processes.

3. Develop an insight into biochemical concepts and applications in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

4. Be able to apply practical competency in the biochemical laboratory, demonstrate scientific writing skills through maintenance of a laboratory practical book and develop a technical understanding of health and safety procedures associated with the handling of potentially hazardous materials and equipment.

Content

Topics described in this unit include:

Characteristics of biochemical molecules and systems: water, polar and non-polar solutes in molecular and cellular function, and structure and primary functions of carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Protein structure and function: structure and function of amino acids, peptides and protein polymers, structure and function of fibrous and globular proteins, structure and action of enzymes including mechanisms of catalysis, kinetic analysis and control processes.

Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids: the major metabolic pathways that synthesis and degrade carbohydrates and lipids, monosaccharides as metabolic units, polysaccharides in structure and energy storage, structure and function of simple, compound and isoprenoid lipids.

Metabolic integration: the regulation of glycolysis, glycogen and lipid metabolism; energy metabolism and mitochondrial function; metabolic and hormonal regulation of metabolism and interconversion of metabolites and nutrients under varying dietary and body requirements; metabolism of amino acids, proteins and the elimination of nitrogenous waste.

Theory and applications of: laboratory measurements and techniques, including liquid handling, spectrophotometric assays for metabolite levels and enzyme activities and buffers in biochemical systems, maintaining workplace health and safety and conducting responsible laboratory work.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is presented as a 2 hour formal lecture and a 2 hour practical session per week. In addition, a series of 1 hour tutorials will run to formatively complement the practical tasks and strengthen understanding of fundamental biochemical concepts. The practical exercises are used to develop your skills in laboratory manipulation, data collection and calculation of results, with an emphasis on the proper use of equipment used in a modern biochemistry laboratory. The teaching program is supported by formative learning exercises on the learning management system (Blackboard) and comprises weekly multiple-choice quizzes and short answer question problem-based workshops. You are briefly prepared for professional and ethical issues which are explored in detail in subsequent units.

Assessment

1. Formative assessment is through multiple choice quizzes and practical short-answer style workshop problems set on the unit Blackboard site. In addition, you will receive formative feedback on the practical laboratory exercises and the progress examination to assist your learning in both laboratory practice and biochemical knowledge. For students without internet access, these formative assessment instruments are also discussed and explained during formal class times.

2. Summative assessment is by a mixture of continuous practical assessment throughout the semester and examination (progress examination and final examination).

3. Successful completion of the unit requires that all assessable components be satisfactorily completed and an overall pass achieved.Feedback will be available on your continuous assessment and progress in this unit.

This unit has been evaluated affirmatively in previous regular learning experience surveys.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Continuous assessment based on practical work, maintenance of practical laboratory books, practical tests, skills tests and quizzes. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, and 4.
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Progress multiple-choice question examination. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final (end of semester) multiple-choice question, short-answer question and essay question examination. Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended Textbooks and Resources

1. Voet D, Voet JG & Pratt CW (2012) Fundamentals of Biochemistry. 4th edition. John Wiley & Sons Publ. ISBN 0470547847.

2. Nelson, DL & Cox, MM (2012) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 6th edition. W.H. Freeman Publ. ISBN 1429234148

3. Berg JM, Tymoczko JL & Stryer L (2012) Biochemistry, 7th edition, WH Freeman Publ. ISBN 1429229365 [Available online (4th edition)at NCBI Bookshelf - Online Books: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Books]]

4. The Medical Biochemistry Page (Dr. Michael King, Indiana State University) http://themedicalbiochemistrypage.org/

Note that any of the textbooks listed above will be an appropriate study resource for this unit. It is recommended that you consult the unit Blackboard website for the latest advice in selecting textbooks that will best suit your course enrolment, career aspirations and current financial situation.

Personal Protective Equipment:

1. Laboratory coat - 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix (65% polyester is max. allowable). 2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with AS1336, AS1337 and AS 1338.

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information. If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 01-Nov-2012